When considering ways to make your dream home look even more luxurious, flooring options should not be overlooked. Whether you’re renovating, redecorating, or simply sprucing up for a special event, here are seven flooring choices you can use to add an extra special touch of style to your interior.
1. Hardwood. Hardwood floors bring warmth to any room, their timeless aesthetic making them stand out from more contemporary trends. Incorporating a range of different wood tones and grains in the same room can also have an interesting effect. Choose to refinish, sand down and stain the existing wood in your home for a unique outcome, or invest in new boards for a sleek, modern look.
2. Marble. Marble is one of the most elegant flooring options around, often seen in high-end establishments and private residences. The stone’s distinctive veining patterns add visual interest to a space, making it warm and inviting. Polished marble reflects light, creating a luxurious and airy look.
3. Travertine. Travertine is a type of sedimentary rock that can be quarried, cut and used for flooring. It has a classic appeal and is available in a range of colors, from beige to deep brown. If you like the idea of marble but don’t want to spring for the cost, travertine can be a much more affordable option.
4. Cork. Though it’s not often thought of in the same light as more conventional flooring options, cork is becoming increasingly popular. It’s low-maintenance, resilient, eco-friendly, and a naturally good insulator (so your house will be warm in winter and cool in summer). It comes in a wide range of colors, so you can easily find something that complements your décor.
5. Concrete. Concrete makes a big statement, and is perfect for creating a contemporary and sleek look. It’s a particularly good choice for open-plan living areas, as it offers plenty of scope for mixing colors, patterns and textures.
6. Carpet. Used wisely, carpet can be used to add a decadent touch to any room. Whether you choose a plush wool pile or a more hard-wearing nylon, you’ll be able to find something to match your style. Carpet can also bring a luxurious feeling of comfort and warmth.
7. Vinyl. Vinyl tiles and sheets have come a long way in recent years – there’s now a huge selection of styles and textures to choose from. It’s very easy to lay and a cost-effective choice – and with so many options available, you can create a one-of-a-kind look to make your home feel truly luxurious.
Customize these options with decorative inlays to create an eye-catching feature, or opt for a rug to add a splash of color. Natural fibers are a good option if you want to add texture to the room, while matte finishes can help create an exclusive, understated look. Whether you want the look of a classic library or a modern kitchen, you’ll find the flooring options to suit.
When it comes to flooring, get creative with patterning and texture – think wooden herringbone, specks of gold in pale stone, deep green carpeting. Incorporate neutral and bold colors, and artwork such as rugs and wall hangings to bring the whole look together – little touches of dramatic glamour that will elevate the vibe of the room.
Create atmosphere with key lighting features – intricate ceiling lamps, strategically placed spotlights, and floor lamps with ambient lightbulbs will bring out the best of the room and tie it all together. Invest in soft furnishings such as throws, cushions and curtains that complement the floor’s design. And, of course, accessories such as vases, flowers, and sculptures are a must.
Your flooring forms the basis of the look you’re striving to achieve. Find the perfect flooring choice to connect the room and make it look truly luxurious – is it time to break out the red carpet?